Who Is It Known For?
Elite Welding Academy, LLC is a for-profit company whose mission is to provide the training required to launch a successful and satisfying welding profession. Established in 2006, the academy offers hands-on training in various welding techniques, aiming to equip students with the skills needed for immediate employment in the field.
Who Owns It?
Elite Welding Academy is owned by Mr. Mark Mosley and Mr. Dan Freese. Mark Mosley is the Controlling Member and has been the controlling owner of Elite Welding Academy since 2006, as well as his ownership of United Group Services since 1982. Dan Freese, the C.E.O., brings over 30 years of construction management experience to the academy and has been the President of United Group Services since 2003.
What is it known for?
Elite Welding Academy is renowned for its practical-based learning model, which allows the students to get practical experience. Through partnerships with some of the best companies in the industry, students are able to go for practicals at job sites thus enhancing their learning and preparing to be able to overcome the challenges that may be present in the welding world.
Degrees and Certifications
The academy offers several certifications and diplomas, including:
- Combination Structural & Pipe Welding Diploma
- Structural and Pipe Welding Certification
- Structural Welding Certification
These programs are designed to provide students with the technical skills and knowledge required for professional welding careers.
Class Schedules
Elite Welding Academy provides flexible class schedules to accommodate different student needs, including morning, afternoon, and evening classes.
Although there is no mention of externships on their website, the school promises to provide students with advanced work to help them achieve their desired goal of securing their dream job.
Is it legit?
Yes, Elite Welding Academy is legitimate. Elite Welding Academy holds accreditation from the following accrediting bodies:
- Accrediting Council of Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Texas Workforce Commission Career Colleges and Schools
- Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education
- Indiana Office for Career and Technical Schools
Acceptance Rate
According to the U.S. Department of Education, Elite Welding Academy LLC has an open admission policy, meaning that all students who apply are accepted.
Tuition Costs
The cost of tuition at Elite Welding Academy can vary depending on the program selected by the student. On average, tuition ranges from approximately,$16,000 to $24,000 for the complete program.
To assist students in estimating their net costs, the academy provides a net cost estimator tool on its website.
Programs & Courses
Welding
- Structural and Pipe Welding
- Pipe Fitting
- Industrial Construction
Campus Locations
Houston 7119 Village Way Houston, Texas 77087
South Point 1910 County Road 1 South Point, Ohio 45680
Cincinnati 4670 Dues Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Elite Welding Academy has a very strong and generally positive reputation, particularly for its knowledgeable instructors and hands-on training. However, some recent reviews introduce very specific and serious criticisms that stand in stark contrast to the older feedback.
Overall Score: 4.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
Highly Skilled and Knowledgeable Instructors: The most frequent and consistent praise is for the instructors. Reviewers describe them as “very professional, highly skilled, and knowledgeable.” They are credited with having “real field experience” and being dedicated to preparing students for the highest-paying jobs in the industry.
Hands-On and Comprehensive Training: Students consistently appreciate the hands-on nature of the training and the extensive amount of time they get to practice. The curriculum is praised for focusing on practical skills and preparing students to be “proficient combo welders.”
Supportive and Family-Like Environment: Several reviews describe a supportive atmosphere where instructors genuinely care about students and treat them “like family.” One reviewer even refers to the school as a “brotherhood.”
Common Criticisms
Allegations of Racial Insensitivity: A serious and isolated review from a year ago alleges that a student made a racist comment. This suggests a potential for an unprofessional or hostile environment, though it is not a widespread theme in the reviews.
Unprofessional Instructor Behavior: A more recent review claims that an instructor uses profanity frequently and lacks professionalism.
Student Accountability: One older review states that the school provides all the materials and time necessary for students to succeed, implying that failure is the student’s responsibility, not the school’s. This highlights a focus on student commitment over institutional hand-holding.
Momentum
The reviews show a shift over time. While the majority of the highly positive, general-praise reviews are several years old, the more recent feedback (from the past one to two years) is more polarized. It includes both very positive endorsements and specific, serious allegations of unprofessionalism and a racial incident. The high overall rating is buoyed by older reviews, but the most recent comments point to significant issues that may not have been present in the past. It’s important for prospective students to investigate these specific claims further.